Which of the following sugars is found in milk?

Study for the Penn Foster Biology – The Cell Test. Enhance your understanding with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare to succeed on your exam!

Lactose is the sugar found in milk, and it is a disaccharide composed of two simpler sugars: glucose and galactose. It serves as an important source of energy for infants and is broken down in the digestive system by the enzyme lactase. In individuals who produce sufficient amounts of lactase, lactose is efficiently digested and absorbed. However, some people may be lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies do not produce enough lactase to effectively digest lactose, which can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

While glucose and galactose are components of lactose, they do not represent the specific sugar found uniquely in milk. Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is a different disaccharide made from glucose and fructose, which are also not predominantly present in milk. Fructose, the sugar found in many fruits, is not a significant component of milk either. Thus, lactose is the distinct sugar that characterizes milk's carbohydrate content.

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